Screen Time: Guest Speaker Shares Sobering Statistics and Practical Solutions

Dr. Steranko opened her talk with a staggering statistic. “National studies report that school-age children are spending an average of five to seven hours of screen time per day—this is the amount of time equal to or greater than the time they are spending in the classroom.” This fact was eye-opening to the majority of the assembled parents.

She spoke about the observed behaviors and effects of addiction to electronic devices, detailing how excessive use may result in decreased impulse control, social skills, self regulation, and gross motor skills. She talked about the notable rise in childhood obesity, insomnia, depression, and anxiety linked to overuse. Dr. Steranko also shared information about recent studies that showed how more “screen time” for children ages three to five resulted in actual physical changes to the brain structure, limiting the brain’s growth of pathways. These changes affected literacy, cognitive skills, and language skills.

Dr. Steranko also discussed the potential for children to develop a skewed social view. “Children and teens may not recognize that many people post only the highlights—their most successful, positive moments, they want to present to the world, giving them unrealistic expectations.” She explained that children and teens are highly vulnerable to social comparisons, and shared how a study in 2015 correlated an increase in symptoms of depression when adolescents “followed” strangers on social media in comparison to those who only “followed” actual friends they knew. In addition, she was frank about the possibility of children being exposed to upsetting content, be it sexually explicit, violent, scary, or bullying.

Amidst the jaw-dropping statistics and sobering facts, Dr. Steranko gave parents plenty of examples of the many positives associated with device usage. “Children can be exposed to new, creative ideas, music, arts, and connect with others with similar interests. They can stay up-to-date on current events and world issues, and keep in touch with friends who they may not see often.”

She also gave a myriad of ideas on how to limit, monitor, and help children develop healthy usage habits. Dr. Steranko introduced the idea of co-viewing–watching together and making connections, having discussions, and ensuring content is appropriate, teaching children how to use their electronics as a tool to “create, connect, and learn,” and to set limits and expectations.

She stressed that one of the most successful ways to enforce good habits was for parents to model the same good habits themselves, creating a family plan everyone can follow. Prioritizing alternative active activities such as reading, playing, talking, singing, going for walks, etc. were suggestions to get children to put down their devices.

Dr. Steranko stressed that these devices are here to stay, and that children will inevitably come to use them, if they aren’t already doing so. Setting up good habits early on is the key to achieving the balance needed for a healthy lifestyle. “Electronic devices are not good or bad,” said Dr. Steranko, “it’s how we choose to use them that makes the difference.”